When you see fashion spreads like Willy Vanderperre’s throwback shoot for VMAN it’s very likely that fashion photogs like Vanderperre are referencing the work of physique photographers of the 1940’s—artists like Bob Mizer, Mel Roberts, and John Palatinus. Antebellum Gallery —the only fetish art gallery in America — wants to assure that the work of these artists isn’t forgotten with a special Valentines Day reception in LA. Oh, and they’ll be live models on display.
EVERYBODY DOES IT | Though the Empire State Pride Agenda endorses neither Bloomberg nor Thompson in the election today (most likely because an endorsement was not sought by either of them), I have no qualms about supporting the Republican/Independent candidate.
Call me predictable but my mind was made up when Thompson responded ‘yes’ to whether Obama had done enough for gays thus far, while Bloomberg said, ‘no.’ Though a true liberal at heart, like my fierce support for Hillary, I follow my gut when determining which candidate really has my best interests in mind. Though I am not well versed enough on either candidate’s voting record or policy positions to credibly argue this case, I think I’m feeling like many of us right now, a little burnt out on the idea of change.
The handsome duo Micah Bucey (right) and Nicholas Williams (on piano) are featured in a story in NYtimes.com called ‘A Fringe That Isn’t Downtown, but Up in the Hills’ about fringe theatre festivals across the country — specifically the Berkshire Fringe, in western Massachusetts. If you’ve never caught a performance of “The Gay Agenda’s Great Big Broadway Show!” I recommend you hit up their blog for upcoming dates. Nicholas and Micah serenaded homo-neurotic earlier this year (before they became, like, Paris-Hilton-famous). Sigh.
NewFest may be over, but with so many gay-interest films showing this month, how’s a gentleman supposed to keep up? Here’s a brief guide to Queer film in June in New York.
Staunch!: The Ultimate Grey Gardens Festival Friday, June 12th– Sunday, June 14th
Curated by Rebekah and Sara Maysles
We decided to get in the act and bring it all back to the house that Grey Gardens built. STAUNCH! is a tribute to the documentary film and most of all, to its many, many fans. Hang out in our living, breathing diorama of Big and Little Edie’s bedroom as recreated by artists and designers, with ephemera, specialty foods and sound booths with outtakes of dialogue from the two ladies. Grey Gardens Installation by Anne Koch. $10 Suggested Donation For All Screenings.
Homo Harlem: A Film Retrospective Friday, June 19th-Saturday, June 27th
Curated by Michael Henry Adams, Co-Sponsored by Men of All Colors Together
In honor of the 40th Anniversary of The Stonewall Rebellion and the subsequent Gay rights movement we celebrate the cinematic representation of Gay life and culture in Black America’s fabled homeland with Homo Harlem: A Film Retrospective. $10 Suggested Donation For All Screenings.
Sex Positive @ Quad Cinema Starts Friday, June 12th
It is only at the end of Daryl Wein’s documentary portrait of the onetime AIDS activist Richard Berkowitz that its agenda as a polemic against societal amnesia becomes apparent. Noting that in recent years H.I.V. infection rates among gay men have begun to climb, this sad, useful film sounds an alarm about the return of unprotected sex among young gay men who believe that contracting the virus is unlikely. — Stephen Holden, The New York Times.
Outrage @ Symphony Space Sunday, June 14th – Sunday, Jun 28th
A searing indictment of the hypocrisy of closeted politicians with appalling gay rights voting records who actively campaign against the LGBT community they covertly belong to. Boldly revealing the hidden lives of some of the United States’ most powerful policymakers, Outrage takes a comprehensive look at the harm they’ve inflicted on millions of Americans, and examines the media’s complicity in keeping their secrets. Featuring analysis from Barney Frank, Jim McGreevey, Larry Kramer, Michelangelo Signorile, and others. $11.
Queer/Art/Film @ 92Y TRIBECA Thursday June 11th – Thursday July 16
QUEER/ART/FILM asks the question: How does film create a link from one queer generation to the next, from John Kelly to Jean Cocteau, from 8 1/2 to Paris is Burning, from Marlon Riggs to Chantal Akerman, from Kiki & Herb to the Five Lesbian Brothers, to…..you! Join us every Thursday at 7:30pm in June and bi-weekly in the months to follow, to explore these unexpected pathways from one artist to the next, lively excavations of history and queerest of cinematic events. $12.
What is The Gay Agenda? Simple. “To conquer the world though musicals.” Micah and Nicholas were kind enough to chat with me a few weeks ago to talk about their monthly — think of it as a period — among other things. The mini-musical duo returns to the stage this Wednesday at the Players Loft in Manhattan’s West Village. Oh, and they have cookies.